Yoga vs. Pilates
I believe physical activity can heal the body, mind and spirit. Our bodies are meant to move. Physical activity increases blood flow to organs delivering oxygens and nutrients to our cells. Our lung capacity improves and toxins are sweat out. Our bodies and minds become stronger, resilient, and more flexible. I like to keep myself physically active by practising yoga, pilates, and walking in nature. For me that’s enough. Both yoga and pilates are amazing practices that develop flexibility, strength, endurance, and balance. They work even the smallest, deepest muscles and joints. Both yoga and pilates are low-impact workouts where the focus is on the breath, and they can be practiced with little equipment.
Yoga
The physical asana practice is only one of the eight limbs of yoga but probably its best known form today. Yoga is an integrated health management system where breathing, asana practice, and meditation are used to connect mind, body, and spirit. Yoga teachings also bring up philosophical and ethical questions. In a fast-paced life with constant information overload it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, anxious and stressed out. To me yoga brings relief from stress and mental clarity during turmoils in life. It reminds me that we’re all one and part of the universe.
Yoga originated in ancient India but it wasn’t until in the 20th century when yoga asana practice started properly expand to the western world. In particular the students of Sri T. Kirshnamacharya’s had a huge influence on developing the popularity of yoga practice among westerners: B. K. S. Iyengar K., Pattabhi Jois, and T.K.V. Desikachar all started teaching westerns in 1960s. Ever since yoga has blossomed into various lineages and schools and has become an industry of its own. There’s something for everyone: dancy Vinyasa Flow, vigorous Power Yoga, Hot Yoga, Aerial Yoga with hammocs, restorative Yin Yoga, and so on. Despite all these different types of yoga, holding various poses and flowing through different series of movements is very common during a yoga class.
At the very beginning I would highly recommend practising with a teacher to learn the right alignment and breathing techniques. Experienced teachers are able to create safe practice for all levels. A new yoga class may seem scary at first because many yoga poses taught during a class may feel foreign to our bodies. Try different types of classes and teachers. I wasn’t happy with my first yoga class back in 2012, and thought yoga simply wasn’t for me. I took classes randomly here and there but didn’t really got hooked and committed. I had a couple of really good teachers in Australia during my exchange semester but once I got back to my home country I lost my interest. A few years later in summer 2015 (when I had the privilege of wasting time) I happened to step into a traditional Ashtanga yoga shala and everything changed: I was physically and mentally challenged and for the first time in my life I was able to be at peace with my thoughts and emotions and just let them come and go. Along this journey my yoga practice has gone through an evolution. And that’s the beauty in life: we may start with something but eventually end up somewhere else as our life evolves. For the past few years I have been practising more modern vinyasa flow inspired by Prana Flow, a beautiful and rhythmic style created by Shiva Rea with whom I did my yoga teacher training.
Nowadays I mainly practise at home. Home practice has several benefits: you don’t have to worry about getting to a class, you can choose the areas you want to work on, and you can practise at your own pace. However, home practice requires discipline and determination. To make it happen roll out your mat a night before, wake up earlier and just show up on your mat and see how it goes. You are most likely to surprise yourself: a few rounds of sun salutations can easily turn into a full hour session. And if not, that’s ok! After all yoga is all about non-attachment. The physical poses are to challenge the mind and the Ego. ’Mastering’ a pose certainly isn’t the end goal.
Swans - Photo Credit: Joakim Kronqvist @bumblebeetushie
Pilates
I also believe in the power of Pilates. Compared to yoga I see Pilates more as a physical exercise. In yoga there’s typically more focus on the spiritual side. In Pilates the intention is to work the body symmetrically from a strong and stable core (‘Powerhouse’). Effective small movements improve balance and strengthen the body. Pilates requires the mind to focus on the precision of physical movement. Exercises are done in a controlled and precise manner in rhythmic flow.
Pilates was originally created by Joseph Pilates. Joseph had his roots in Germany and later after the World War he moved to New York where he started teaching with his partner Clara in 1920s at his ‘body-conditioning’ gym. Joseph designed his own equipment. This classical style of pilates was taught to students individually. The practice became popular among the dance community due to its healing benefits for injured dancers. After Joseph’s death his students wanted to continue the tradition. Later various more contemporary branded versions have evolved such as STOTT, BASI, and Polestar.
I personally love the classical method and thus, chose to complete my teacher training at Equinox Pilates Training Institute. Classical Pilates exercises can be done on the mat or with specialized Pilates apparatus. I prefer the original type of equipment (by Gratz) because of its high quality. A reformer with stronger springs forces the body to the right alignment with resistance. The body becomes stable, stronger, more flexible, and healthily toned. The practice is beautiful to watch and makes a practitioner feel like flying. If you are taught Pilates privately in a classical way, you’ll progress incredibly fast. Your teacher will choose the right equipment and exercises for your body so that you can improve whatever imbalances you happen to have in your body.
I’m not saying there aren’t benefits in contemporary styles. Contemporary mat classes can be really fun and creative. Personally I like those contemporary classes that have elements from barre. It’s a matter of personal preference. Classical pilates studios are more rare and you may need to do a little bit of research to find one. Contemporary pilates is offered almost everywhere and the style depends on a teacher and their background. As with yoga, explore with various studios, styles, and teachers. A group class can be a great way to explore the world of Pilates.
The Mat & Clothing
I recommend getting a quality yoga mat. It makes a huge difference, and will pays off as long as you keep on showing up. It’ll last for years and makes the practice much more enjoyable. I have a Manduka mat. They come with a life time guarantee, but after 5 years of daily practice with my first Pro Lite I decided to change it for a new one. The surface started to peel off. Manduka Pro Lite works best for vinyasa flow in normal room temperature. I wouldn’t necessary use it for hot yoga classes because the surface starts to suffer if you need to wash it often. Manduka has their GRP series specifically designed for hot yoga, which I haven’t tried though. I also have a Manduka Pro Travel Mat that is half the weight of the Pro Lite. It’s almost paper thin so I wouldn’t use it on a daily basis on hard surfaces; At least for my knees, elbows, and toes it would be too much pressure. There are many other great brands to consider. Many recommend Jade Yoga Harmony mats for sweatier classes.
Another thing to consider is clothing and this is something new clients always wonder. Obviously this really depends on your preferences but choose something comfortable that allows you to move freely. Lululemon makes classical, simple leggings and tops. Their Align Pant is my favourite: the fabric is very light and lasts forever - at least in my practice. Wunder Under is another very popular Lululemon pant. The Wunder Under fabric is thicker and more sculpting than Align and thus, I think it’d work well for fitness classes too. Alo Yoga has trendy leggings and sport bras. Alo Yoga Goddess Legging is wonderful for cold weather but I wouldn’t wear it for hot classes. Airlift is much better for hot and sweaty classes. There are many other popular athleisure brands, such as The Upside, Filippa K (Soft Sport collection), Nimble Activewear, and Varley. For a Pilates class you may want to get a pair of grip socks or just go barefoot with clean feet and depending on the studio etiquette of course.
Tips For Building A Successful Practice
Find an inspiring instructor, style, and environment.
Do you like to practice at home, in a group, or prefer having a private session? You don’t need to have all your sessions with a teacher but regular check-ins can be highly beneficial to keep you motivated and challenged.
Forget ’All or nothing’ thinking.
Start building your routine little by little. Remain consistent no matter what. The beginning is the hardest part but after a few weeks it’ll become second nature and you won’t need think about it. It’s like brushing your teeth or taking a shower.
Don’t compare your path with anybody else’s.
We all have different bodies and backgrounds. You are exactly where you need to be right now. Be patient.
Find an accountability partner.
This could be your personal trainer or private teacher. Or your could practice with like-minded friends or family members. Or maybe join a supportive online community.
Visualize your future one year, five or even ten years from now.
Write down your goals and set an intention. Our words and thoughts are extremely powerful and will eventually create our reality.
Recommended Resources:
Yoga Journal: The Ancient & Modern Roots of Yoga
Caged Lion: Joseph Pilates & His Legacy (2020) by John Howard Steel
Return to Life Through Contrology (2010- originally 1945) by Joseph H. Pilates